The inside of a car in midsummer heats up much faster than expected, making it dangerous.

In the American West, pet dogs trapped inside a hot car were narrowly rescued.

In Newport Beach, California, a police officer approaches a vehicle parked on the side of the road.

There were as many as five dogs inside the car, but the windows were open just enough for a single finger to fit through.

Exhausted by the heat, the dogs were already panting heavily.

Determined that the situation was critical, the police officer smashed the car window, rescued the dogs, and rushed them to a hospital.

The owner reportedly faced penalties for violating animal welfare regulations.

(Video source: Instagram @newportbeachpd)